Tinubu Appoints Governing Council Members for 111 Federal Tertiary Institutions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of 555 individuals as chairpersons and members of Governing Councils for 111 federal tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The announcement was made via an official publication by the Federal Ministry of Education, signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.

The appointments mark a significant governance milestone following the dissolution of the previous councils in June 2023. The extended delay in reconstituting the councils had drawn criticism from various stakeholders, notably the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which had threatened industrial action over what it described as administrative neglect.

Among the prominent figures named in the new councils are:
• Chief Bisi Akande, former Osun State Governor and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), appointed Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Ibadan.
• Wole Olanipekun (SAN), a respected legal luminary, appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, University of Lagos.
• Isa Yuguda, former Governor of Bauchi State, appointed Chairman, Governing Council of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
• Yayale Ahmed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, appointed Chairman, Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
• Mohammed Santuraki, an accomplished banker and academic administrator, appointed Chairman, Federal University of Technology, Minna.

These appointments span all six geopolitical zones and aim to reflect a blend of experience, professionalism, and regional representation.

The Federal Ministry of Education scheduled the inauguration and induction retreat for the new council members for May 30 and 31, 2024, at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Auditorium in Abuja.

Speaking ahead of the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, clarified that the roles are on a part-time basis.

He warned council members against extravagant demands or attempts to overreach their statutory boundaries.

Professor Mamman urged the appointees to focus on strengthening transparency, institutional accountability, and sustainable development within their respective institutions.

“We expect you to contribute meaningfully to policy development and oversight. You are not CEOs or executives—you are to support, guide, and ensure good governance, not interfere with day-to-day management,” the Minister stated.

He also challenged the councils to explore alternative funding sources beyond government subvention, emphasizing the importance of innovation and financial sustainability in tertiary education.

The appointments have been widely welcomed as a critical move to stabilize the governance structure of Nigeria’s higher education sector. Education experts and union leaders have expressed hope that the new councils will restore administrative order, improve oversight, and support institutional development.

ASUU, which had mounted pressure for the appointments, praised the government’s responsiveness but emphasized the need for performance, transparency, and prioritization of academic excellence.

The reconstitution of governing councils is expected to significantly enhance strategic decision-making, provide clearer oversight on institutional performance, and support the federal government’s broader education reform agenda.